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Legislative aide selected to run in special election

Democrats have announced that David Bentz, a legislative aide, will run for the seat in the Delaware House of Representatives being vacated by Newark Rep. Mike Barbieri.

Bentz, 29, was the legislative aide for Barbieri, who announced his resignation earlier this month. Barbieri resigned to become the new director of the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health for the Department of Health and Social Services.

"I'm honored to have the committee's nomination and plan to hit the ground running. I have worked closely with the residents of the 18th District on their issues, and I will be able to continue that high level of constituent services if I'm fortunate enough to be elected," Bentz said in a written statement.

"We have a lot of challenging issues facing Delaware, and I intend to fight for our middle class by pushing for good-paying jobs and better educational opportunities, and making sure our economic policies don't unfairly burden them. A strong middle class is essential to a healthy Delaware economy. That is where our focus must be."

A Facebook page for Bentz, listing him as the candidate for the 18th District, was created Friday. Bentz was selected to run by the 18th District Democratic Committee on Thursday. Bentz was previously the chair of the 18th District.

"We are confident that the committee endorsed a strong candidate who, if elected, will be a tireless advocate for his constituents," said New Castle County Chair Betsy Maron in a written statement.

A special election date is expected to take place during the first half of September.

Contact Jon Offredo at (302) 678-4271, on Twitter @jonoffredo or at joffredo@delawareonline.com